Description
These Giant Colossal Cheese Covered Meatballs are packed with savory Italian flavors and topped with melted fresh mozzarella cheese for a deliciously gooey finish. Perfectly seasoned and baked until juicy, they make a hearty main dish served over sauce or spaghetti, garnished with fresh parmesan, asiago, and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. extra lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup plus 1 Tbl. dried Italian bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated fresh parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely grated fresh asiago cheese
- 2 tsp. dried minced onion
- 1 1/2 tsp. whole fennel seeds
- 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. coarse ground pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 extra-large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 4 thick slices fresh mozzarella cheese
For Garnish
- More fresh grated parmesan and/or asiago cheese
- Finely chopped fresh parsley or fresh basil sprig (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground beef and crumble it lightly. Evenly sprinkle and drizzle the bread crumbs, parmesan, asiago, dried minced onion, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, milk, beaten eggs, and Worcestershire sauce over the meat. Fold the mixture a few times with a large spoon, then mix with your hands until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Form Meatballs: Divide the meat mixture in half and carefully shape each portion into a large, solid ball without cracks to help them hold together during baking. Place the meatballs on a sprayed, foil-lined baking sheet.
- Season and Bake: Sprinkle the tops of the meatballs with more coarse ground black pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until they are fully cooked and juicy inside.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Place thick slices of fresh mozzarella over the hot meatballs. Broil under high heat just until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the colossal meatballs over your favorite sauce or sauced spaghetti. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan and/or asiago cheese and sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley or a fresh basil sprig for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Ensure the large meatballs have no cracks to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
- Use fresh grated cheeses for better flavor than pre-grated options.
- Serve immediately after broiling the cheese for best gooey texture.
- You can substitute fresh basil for parsley or omit herbs based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 giant meatball with cheese
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1080 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 55 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
